Update: Roads reopened in Westlake after search for gunman

Police are searching near Center Ridge and Crocker roads in Westlake for a gunman. KRISTIN BAUER/CHRONICLE

Update 6:15 p.m.: Westlake police have given the all-clear for the area where multiple departments were searching for a suspect gunman.

Capt. Guy Turner said all roads in the area have reopened, and residents who self-evacuated can return home.

No arrests have been made. Investigators remain on the scene to process evidence, and some ballistic evidence that was recovered will be submitted to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for analysis.

Updated 5:56 p.m.

WESTLAKE – A report of shots fired at an accounting firm led to a citywide manhunt for the shooter.

At 5 p.m., Westlake police Capt. Guy Turner said residents were not under an evacuation order, however, they were encouraged to limit travel.

“We’re just advising people, if you’re going to stay at home, just stay inside the house, but keep your eyes and ears open. Look out the window periodically, and we will continue to search,” he said during a press conference Saturday afternoon.

Police received the report at 12:05 p.m. from the accounting business, located at 30700 Center Ridge Road. Turner said one of the shots had hit the building, and when officers arrived, at least one more shot was fired.

No one was hurt, but Turner called the situation “worrisome,” because of the actions of the shooter in the vicinity of an officer.

“If you’re going to fire another shot with a police officer present, that indicates a certain level of violence,” Turner said.

“It’s illegal to discharge a firearm in the city limits, period,” he added. “When it’s done in the presence of an officer, it’s increasingly worrisome and leads us to ratchet up our response accordingly.”

Police have no description of the suspect(s) or a vehicle involved. They’re still searching for evidence to determine what type of gun was used, Turner said.

Police on horseback head down Bradley Road in search of a suspected gunman on Saturday afternoon.

Seven agencies, including the Westshore Enforcement Bureau SWAT Team, set up a perimeter around the area, blocking off several streets as a helicopter and Metropark rangers on horseback searched for the shooter.

Turner said Crocker Road to Center Ridge Road has been blocked during the search, as well as Center Ridge Road West at the North Ridgeville line, Bradley Road South at the North Olmsted line and Bradley Road to Hilliard Road.

Westlake police officers went door-to-door to check on the welfare of residents in the area, Turner said. Those residents were given the option to leave the area during the search.

“People, if they want to leave, they may so do so. Right in this critical area, it’s under an escort. In other areas, they may do so, or they may just stay and shelter in place,” he said.

WESTLAKE — Police are currently searching the woods near Bradley and Center Ridge roads after shots were fired Saturday afternoon.

At 12:05 p.m., police received a report of gunshots, one of which struck a business at 30700 Center Ridge Road. Officers arriving on the scene reported a second shot fired in their direction, according to Capt. Guy Turner. No injuries have been reported.

Center Ridge Road between Magnolia Parkway and Bradley Road is closed. Residents living in that area are asked to stay inside with police search for the source of gunfire.